We are familiar with military patches and their different kinds. However, little did we know, they had a full-blown history back then. Military patches are not just a symbol of proud and duty, but they work best to create a separate identity for different units and individual designations.
In this article, we will look into the history and Evolution of military patches. So continue reading to learn about the whole timeline of patch modernisation and recognition around the world.
Origin of military patches
So, the story of U.S. military patches starts back in 1918 with the 81st Infantry Division, or the Wildcats. Their crew was training near Wildcat Creek in South Carolina and had just started using a wildcat as their symbol, sewing it onto their gear. The Army leaders didn’t really care for it at first and thought it was just for show and decoration that had nothing to do with their tough job. But then General John J. Pershing gave it the thumbs-up, and that is how it became the first official shoulder patch. Ever since then, unit patches have been a big deal in the Military patch traditions that’s still going strong.
1942 – WWII Mass Adoption Of Divisional Patches
In 1942, when the U.S. got fully into World War II, military patches were no longer something just to show. They were a must-have for showing who you were in the Army. Each division got its own Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI). The idea was to give an order to the whole unit, help them know who’s who, representing duties, and bring everyone together, even if they were all over the Globe. These patches are super important for telling people apart in a big war with tons of soldiers.
Military patches World War 2 had their own special meaning. They were created using various colours, animals, shapes, or references to the division’s history. Take the 1st Infantry Division’s “Big Red One,” for example. It was one of the most famous patches of the war, standing for bravery and years of service. Also, airborne divisions used wings motifs and parachutes on their patches to show their specialised roles.
The Army quickly made patches a standard for all divisions, whether they were fighting or helping out. They became a way to read the battlefield. By the end of the Second World War, you couldn’t think of a soldier without thinking of their patch. They wore them in North Africa, Europe, and the Pacific. This moment made the patch a lifelong tradition in the U.S. military, connecting WWII veterans to a practice that soldiers are still honoured by today.
1950–1970 Cold War & Vietnam, Special Unit Patches
The years after World War II were a game-changer for U.S. military patches. During the Cold War (1950s–1970s), patches played a significant role in showing what division you were in, whether you were a part of a specialised unit or had different ways of fighting. When the Korean War (1950–1953) started, and later the Vietnam War (1955–1975), the patches on sleeves indicated which division you belonged to and also showcased new types of military units, particularly the special operations personnel.
One of the coolest things that happened was the United States Army Special Forces patch, which they got in 1955. It was called the “Arrowhead with Dagger” and meant they were sneaky, fought in unusual ways, and were super good. They were called the “Green Berets and wore this patch when they fought against enemies in Southeast Asia.
During Vietnam, you also saw a ton of historical military insignias made in places like Saigon. These patches usually had bright colours and designs that were one of a kind, and sometimes not even official. They showed how units in places with lots of guerrilla fighters had to be creative to form their different identities, such as. Airborne, aviation, and armoured cavalry units all came up with their own cool unit insignia history that showed what they did in battle. Even today, these patches are a way to find out about the lives and designations of different soldiers, generals, and leaders.
Besides just fighting, Cold War patches also sent a message. Units in Europe, Korea, and the Pacific had insignias that showed America was all over the world and ready to stop the Soviet Union and the tensions of the time. By 1970, the U.S. Army’s patch system had become a varied way to visually show things, from regular division patches to special unit emblems that showed how complex modern fighting was becoming.
1990s – Desert Storm Subdued Patches
In the 80s, military patches in the US became a part of the culture. They showed off different groups, special jobs, and new tech. During the Cold War, they made cool patches for units, like the XVIII Airborne Corps, and aviation groups grew fast. The patches showed off how fast, strong, and far they could go.
The Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm, 1990–1991) made patches popular again. When troops went to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, their unit patches became symbols of the war’s quick win. They switched to desert-color uniforms with tan and brown patches to blend in with the desert. That was very different from the bright patches from older wars.
Near the late 90s and early 2000s, patches got a makeover. When the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) came out in 2004, patches went digital with camo designs and Velcro. This lets soldiers change patches easily for different jobs or training. It meant no more sewing patches on for good, and the Army was now using uniforms that could be changed around.
During this time, some groups worked together. The patches showed the U.S. was part of NATO, peacekeeping jobs, and the War on Terror after 2001. Units going to Afghanistan and Iraq often wore patches for those specific operations, starting a new patch tradition tied to the wars of the 2000s. By the early 2000s, patches mixed old and new styles. They still celebrated the history of unit symbols, but also made modern military patches more adaptable, to suit the technology and locations of the current war.
Evolution Of Military Unit Patches
Military patches are one of the living examples of how warfare, identity, and tradition have changed. The US Army patches history started in 1918 when the U.S. Army’s 81st Infantry Division came up with the first official patch (a wildcat). This became the standard way to show what unit someone was in. From military patches, World War 1 to World War II, a lot of divisions started using patches. It helped tell millions of soldiers apart when they were fighting all over the world. During the Cold War and the Vietnam War, more specific patches showed up, like the Special Forces patch with the arrowhead and dagger. Soldiers also made their own patches to add some local style. That is now known as the morale patches.
By the 90s, patches changed again for modern wars. They became desert-colored to blend in better. Later, they switched to Velcro and digital designs for the new Army Combat Uniform. Now, patches serve several purposes: they identify units, boost soldiers’ morale, and are collected by veterans and enthusiasts. They have come a long way from basic cloth symbols to important parts of military culture.
Military patches in modern uniforms
Patches are still a big deal in today’s military, mixing old-school tradition with what’s useful. Most of the patches now stick on with Velcro, so they’re simple to take off or switch out for different jobs. This is pretty useful with the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) that came out in the 2000s. Instead of the bright patches from before, the ones today use calmer colours that blend in better during combat but still show what unit you’re with. Soldiers usually wear patches showing their division, brigade, rank, name, and the American flag. Modern times bring modern approaches so today patches are also worn for special missions or when working with NATO or other countries. Besides the official stuff, morale patches are super popular. These have sayings or funny pictures that show off unit spirit. Yet, no matter the advancement of technology, the need for patches by military units is still constant, as it was in the World War era. This evolution proves that patches are still relevant on the battlefield and have a place in history.
Collecting Historical Military Patches
Gathering military patches is like keeping history alive and respecting those who served. Each military patch tells something about a unit, what they did, and their history, which makes them cool things to have. People who collect them usually look for patches from the World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam eras. Wartime patches, like the ones made right where the fighting was happening, are worth a lot because they’re rare and well-made. What a patch looks like, where it came from, and if it’s real all affect how important it is and what it’s worth. Patches link to what soldiers went through, helping families and historians understand what happened. Also, museums show them off so everyone can learn about military history. For lots of folks, collecting patches is a way of remembering the sacrifices of the people who wore them. It’s a passion that is honourable in itself.
Frequently asked questions
When did military patches start?
Patches started back in 1918. The U.S. Army’s 81st Infantry Division was the first to use them, with a wildcat on their sleeves. Before that, armies used flags or badges, but this was the first time they had a standard cloth patch on a uniform to show what unit someone was in. Since then, patches have become a standard part of military uniforms.
Why do soldiers wear patches?
Soldiers wear patches to show what unit they’re with, their rank, what they do, and what they’ve accomplished. Besides just ID, patches help build a sense of unity and tradition in the military. They’re also useful for telling different divisions apart in battles or when working with other groups. Now, patches are both useful and symbolic, showing a soldier’s service and their unit’s history.
What is the military patch trend in 2025?
In 2025, military patch trends show a blend of heritage and personalization. Collectors continue to seek authentic WWII and Vietnam-era patches, while morale patches with modern, creative designs are booming among tactical gear users. Velcro-backed and camouflage-friendly patches remain standard in active service, but custom patches are increasingly popular in civilian fashion and gaming communities. This mix of history, identity, and style keeps patches relevant across both real-world and digital spaces.
Now that you are fully aware of the military patch evolution and seeking out a platform that can make customized military patches and morale patches, get in touch with us today! Feel free to contact us and get quality work at a fraction of the price.